Hester was a dynamic performer who made a huge impact on the game during his prime, and as I wrote in Wednesday’s print edition, I believe he is worthy of consideration for the Pro Football Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible in 2022. The number of players who are elected on the first ballot is small, and that might be a tall order for Hester when you consider that players who were primarily special-teams performers have struggled to sway voters. Right now it looks as if the Class of 2021 could be absolutely loaded. Guys such as Peyton Manning, Calvin Johnson, Charles Woodson, Jared Allen and Logan Mankins will be eligible for the first time, and I mention this because there is a trickle-down effect every year. Sometimes players have to wait two, three, four or five years or even longer to get enough support. Since 1970, only nine Hall of Fame classes have included three first-time ballot names. The good news for Hester is there aren’t nearly as many huge names eligible for the first time in 2022. Outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware, nose tackle Vince Wilfork and wide receiver Andre Johnson all had excellent careers. I think Hester gets into the Hall of Fame one day, but some fabulous players have had to wait awhile to receiver their due, and my guess is it might take a little time for Hester. That’s not a knock on his accomplishments either. He belongs in Canton one day.

Having watched every snap of every Mitch Trubisky start this year, I’ve noticed a pattern and want to see if I am correct. It seems that many if not most of his throws, even completions, are on the back shoulder or back hip of receivers. For a guy who was touted for his accuracy and compared to the best in the game (for instance, Aaron Rodgers, who seem to always hit guys in stride), this is a bit concerning. Is this just a matter of a guy having to get used to the speed of the game and adjust his timing, or is there concern with this? I would’ve thought after an entire offseason and most of a regular season working with his receivers, he would have a higher degree of accuracy on these throws. — Keith, Wadsworth, Ill.

Trubisky has been much more accurate in the last two games, completing 37 of 47 passes (78.7 percent), which has bumped his season average to 58.2. That puts him in a spot where he could finish the season over 60 percent. The touchdown pass to Dontrelle Inman in the loss to the 49ers was an example of a really well-thrown ball on the front shoulder. Trubisky made some nice tight-window completions to Kendall Wright against the Bengals too. Yes, the ball that running back Jordan Howard dropped was a little behind him, and a throw to tight end Adam Shaheen in the end zone could have been a little more accurate. There is no question the accuracy was a little off earlier in the season, but he has shown improvement. I’d be careful about comparisons to players such as Rodgers. Those aren’t fair to Trubisky … or Rodgers. Yes, the adjustment to the speed of the game is a process, and while you talk about having a full offseason, Trubisky did not have a full offseason. He was a draft pick and came in after the offseason had begun. It’s fair to assume he will be improved in Year 2.

What options does Kyle Fuller have with the Bears having not picked up his fifth-year option? Can he go to any team he wants, or do the Bears have leverage? – Kevin W.

Fuller will become an unrestricted free agent when the new league year begins March 14. That means Fuller’s agent can begin negotiating with other teams on his client’s behalf on March 12. The only leverage the Bears have is to consider using the franchise tag or transition tag to secure Fuller’s rights for the 2018 season. There’s almost no chance in my mind the Bears go that route. The franchise tag for a cornerback was $14.212 million this season, with the transition tag slightly less than that. I expect Fuller to hit the open market.

Kyle Fuller has had a solid year so far. Double-digit pass breakups, solid tackling and one interception. What kind of contract would be fair for him and whatever team signs him (including the Bears, of course)? Also, did that failed pick-six at the end of the Bengals game cost him money? — Gerardo M., Cicero

The dropped interception chance Fuller had late in the victory over the Bengals didn’t cost him money per se. But he has had a handful of pass breakups this season that he could have turned into interceptions, and if he had, say, four or five picks heading into free agency, there’s no question it would enhance his value. He’s enjoying the finest and most consistent season of his career. Is he a No. 1 cornerback? Probably not, even though that is how the Bears are using him. If he’s your top cornerback, I think in the big picture you’re ultimately seeking an upgrade. That doesn’t mean he won’t get a solid contract in free agency. How high the market will go depends on how teams view him and exactly what Fuller’s wishes are. It will be interesting to see what kind of market comes together for him.

Photos from the Bears-Bengals game at Paul Brown Stadium on Dec. 6, 2017.

What options will the Bears have at the kicker position during the offseason? I assume draft picks will be too precious to spend on a kicker in 2018. Any viable free agents hitting the market? — @d1guasta83

I’m with you in believing it’s probably a long shot that the Bears draft a kicker. Typically only a small handful are selected each year. Plenty of kickers will be available on the market, including their current one, Mike Nugent, and Cairo Santos, who remains on the Bears’ injured-reserve list. They viewed Santos as a young kicker who might have a future in Chicago when they brought him in, then he suffered a groin injury. If Santos heals, I could see the Bears re-signing him and bringing in another kicker as insurance in the event he’s injured again. Graham Gano, Ryan Succop, Chandler Catanzaro, Dustin Hopkins and Kai Fortbath are just a few of the kickers who will be coming out of contract. The Bears have much bigger issues to tackle, in my opinion.

While the majority (all) of Bears Nation is asking, “Where was this offensive game plan before?”, do you think they should be asking, “What if Fox was right and handled Trubisky’s development perfectly?” Don’t get me wrong. Fox has to go. The Green Bay debacle after the bye week was the last straw. But if the rookie QB’s development is priority No. 1 this season, shouldn’t Fox and Loggains get a ton of credit? It’s entirely possible they were right in limiting his playbook, throws, etc., and unleashed him at the right time when he had command of the huddle, playbook and game. For a kid with two dozen starts since high school, he looked very polished and in command for the majority of the game. If he can maintain that kind of performance for 12 more quarters, it’s possible he could end his rookie season at .500. — Rafe S.

That’s an interesting point and possibly worth considering when you evaluate the skill-position players Trubisky has had around him. One problem with your theory, in my opinion, is the offense did next to nothing and simply couldn’t stay on the field the week before in a home loss to the 49ers, who have a defense ranked similarly to the Bengals. The Bears offense went from being bad, really bad one week to looking explosive, dangerous and very potent the next. Yes, Trubisky could finish with a .500 record as a starter if the Bears run the table. I doubt they will close the season with a four-game winning streak, but you get unexpected results in the NFL every weekend. The number of starts for Trubisky since high school now is at 21. We’re definitely seeing some growth.

I heard one of the commentators for Sunday's game against the Bengals speaking about a play in which Mitch Trubisky identified the “mike” linebacker, and I recall you writing about that in the preseason as one of the things he would have to master to be an NFL quarterback. Seriously? Shouldn’t it be obvious for any offense to identify the middle linebacker? Don't they just have to look at the other team's depth chart under “MLB?” This is absolutely baffling to me, and it’s something I hear constantly from almost every QB on almost every play because of the improved audio on TV. Am I missing something? Can you please explain? — Bill B., White Plains, N.Y.,

That’s a fair question, and I will do my best to explain. As I am sure you know, “mike” linebacker is short for middle linebacker. You are correct that this should be a simple task when the opposing defense is aligned in a traditional 4-3 front. It’s easy to pick out the “mike” linebacker in that scenario. The issue is, the defense moves around before the snap frequently, and a lot of times only two linebackers are on the field or four linebackers are on the field. It’s not who is listed as the middle linebacker on the depth chart; it’s the player the offense considers the middle linebacker for that specific play. At times, that can be an outside linebacker. Identifying the middle linebacker helps set the blocking scheme for each play. In essence, identifying the “mike” linebacker centers the blocking scheme, and Trubisky did not have that responsibility in college. A lot of college quarterbacks don’t have that responsibility.

If there was a 2017 redraft, would Deshaun Watson go No. 1? What pick do you think would be fair for Mitch Trubisky? I’m sure the Bears still would take him at No. 2 or 3, but would he be a good value at those spots? — @Pbrady55

Watson would sure make sense as the No. 1 pick based on his tremendous performance for the Texans before suffering a season-ending knee injury. It’s safe to say if the Browns had selected Watson at No. 1, Sashi Brown still would have a job in Cleveland, and maybe — just maybe — the Browns wouldn’t be 0-13. I imagine the Bears would still draft Trubisky in an imaginary redraft, and based on his performance Sunday in Cincinnati, there is reason to have high expectations for him in the near future. I would bet Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore would be a top-five pick in a redraft as well. He went 11th.

The eye test tells me the biggest thing keeping Mitch Trubisky from being a consistent performer this year is the lack of time he has had in the pocket. The O-line seems to be decent at run blocking and almost terrible at pass protection, which is my No. 1 concern — more than bad wideouts, and a lack of defensive playmakers heading into next season with a potential franchise quarterback. Why did Trubisky have so much more time to pass against the Bengals than he has all season? More designed rollouts? Running game open up the passing game? Addition by subtraction with Kyle Long sitting out instead of playing hurt? Literally running away from Charles Leno Jr. as far as humanly possible? And a more important question: What needs to happen for this unit to be at pass protection next season? And is Ryan Pace going to address it? — Mike, Granger, Ind.

I’m going to disagree with you on this one, Mike. Could the Bears be better on the offensive line? No doubt. An O-line is always going to strive for improvement. You’re right that the run blocking has been pretty solid most of the season, and I believe the pass blocking has been at least decent. The Bears are ranked 24th in the NFL in allowing a sack on 8.45 percent of pass attempts. Trubisky has been sacked 23 times in eight starts, tied for the 18th most in the league. Mike Glennon, who is much less mobile than Trubisky, was sacked eight times in four starts. What has happened in some instances, especially in his first four or so starts, was Trubisky was taking sacks when he had opportunities to get rid of the ball. I’d venture to say — and this is just an estimate — that at least a dozen of the 31 sacks the Bears have allowed this season have come on plays in which the sack was avoidable. Trubisky has gotten better at it in recent weeks and will get better at it next season. No, the Bears do not have Joe Thomas lining up for them at left tackle, but they’ve been good enough up front. There is no question in my mind that wide receiver remains far and away the team’s greatest need heading into the offseason. Long didn’t look good in his final game, but only a few weeks ago a scout for another team told me he thought Long was the team’s best lineman this season. Sure, the Bears will be looking to get better on the offensive line, but they have absolutely no threats on the outside. That has to change in 2018.

Ben McAdoo, formerly of the Giants, was the first coach ousted, but he surely won't be the last. Here is a look at the coaches who could be next, beginning with those whose seats seem to be the toastiest at the moment.

(Mark Maske, The Washington Post)

Is it possible John Fox could return next year? If I am the Bears, I put feelers out to my top one to two choices for head coach, and if there isn’t interest I stick with Fox for one more year. If Mitch Trubisky continues to develop and the team is competitive the last couple of games, the noise for Fox to be fired certainly will be turned down. If your top choices are not interested, why settle for a second-tier choice? Is it a forgone conclusion Fox is out? — Dave A.

The Bears have three games remaining, and I doubt ownership and general manager Ryan Pace have made a final determination on Fox’s future. If the Bears win out and finish 7-9, they certainly would have to consider it, especially if the offense plays well down the stretch. But I think you either make a coaching change or don’t make a coaching change. It would be difficult to target just one or two potential options without firing the coach first.

If the Bears and Dolphins fire their head coaches, and given Adam Gase’s reputation as a quarterback guru, would he be a viable candidate for the Bears? — Greg M., Parts Unknown

I seriously doubt the Dolphins will fire Gase after the season. If they did, he’d likely have a good chance to land another head coaching job. He did pretty well with a limited roster last season.

Will the Bears draft a backup quarterback if they have a guy they are high on fall into the later rounds? I don’t think Mike Glennon will be on the team next year, and I’m not sure Mark Sanchez is a great backup long term. — @tommyglodo

The Bears have so many greater needs to consider in the draft at this point. I would imagine they will seek a backup option with some experience. If you’re talking about having a rookie backup in 2018, that’s a No. 3, in my opinion. General manager Ryan Pace has a lot of other priorities to fill before the backup quarterback, which is always one of the fans’ favorite positions to debate.

What changed last week with the offense? Are the rookies finally clicking? Did John Fox allow the offense to open up? Were the Bengals that beat up and downtrodden? -- @gumm006

Yes. The Bears decided to spread things out in order to slow down what had been a good Bengals front seven in previous weeks. The Bengals were reeling — physically and mentally — from a draining Monday night loss to the Steelers, a loss that essentially ended their playoff hopes. The Bears — rookies and veterans — played very well. The result was one of the most lopsided losses in recent seasons for the Bengals.

Is there any chance of Vic Fangio remaining if the Bears move on from Fox? The defense isn’t the problem. And it most certainly was a huge problem before his arrival. — @ericbandazewski from Twitter

Fangio is coming out of contract after the season. I’d say the chances of him returning to the Bears in 2018 aren’t very high, but one thing you learn in the NFL is to never say never — or rarely say never. Fangio has done a nice job this season and has remained creative while injuries have piled up and stripped the depth chart, especially in the front seven. He’ll have no trouble finding work if his goal is to head elsewhere.

By beating the Bengals, the Bears draft spot dropped. If they win again they will slide further down the board. At what point does a needy Bears team start thinking about 2018 and stop worrying about wins that essentially do them more harm than good? — @j_r_gamble

Does who more harm than good? How does winning games down the stretch harm the players? They’re evaluated by their performance week to week. They’re not evaluated through a half-season or through 12 games. They’re evaluated with everything they put on tape every time they set foot on the field. So, let me flip it around and ask if you think the players are prioritizing winning on a weekly basis? What about the coaching staff? In a bottom-line business, they are evaluated by one thing above all else: wins. How does losing enhance their future? If Mitch Trubisky plays well down the stretch and the offense looks potent and the Bears win some games, won’t that help them when free agency rolls around? General manager Ryan Pace told me in March that the team believes it has missed out on some marquee free agents over the last two years because it lost too many games. Success breeds success. If I were a Bears fan, I’d be interested in seeing the rebuilding effort beginning to pay off.

Mock drafts show that the Bears really like Calvin Ridley out of Alabama, and they could look at taking him in the first round. With the plethora of talent at that position in free agency, do you really think Pace would do that? — @swimcoachsi

Mock drafts don’t carry a lot of weight in April and carry even less weight in December. If I were constructing a mock draft right now, I’d look at the greatest needs a team has and play connect the dots. It’s easy to connect the Bears to a wide receiver right now, and Ridley is one of the biggest names out there. That said, he has questionable hands, and I’m not sure he projects as a No. 1. One scout told me if Ridley played at Purdue and not Alabama, you wouldn’t know about him right now. I don’t believe the talent at wide receiver in free agency will be nearly as great as you expect it to be. A lot of those top names could re-sign with their current team. For instance, most expect the Packers to re-sign Davante Adams. Yes, I believe the Bears will be targeting wide receivers in the draft and free agency. They have to. It’s too early to say how enamored they will be with Ridley.